ACET is a multi-partner initiative accelerating the global push for resilient and equitable clean energy solutions through commmunity-based collaborations.
Established in 2023 with support from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, ACET is a partnership between Royal Roads University, University of British Columbia, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and Yukon University, led by the University of Victoria.
Stories of Transformation
Clean energy found in old coal mines
Cumberland, B.C. was built on coal mining—both literally and practically. Thousands of workers were employed and millions of tonnes of coal were exported over 80 years before the mines were shuttered, leaving deep holes in the ground and a deeper void in the village’s economy.
UVic scholar recognized as global sustainability leader
For her timely and tireless work advancing climate change policy solutions, UVic professor and ACET researcher Katya Rhodes received the prestigious 2025 Emerging Sustainability Leader Award at the 11th World Sustainability Forum in Barcelona, Spain, last fall.
Displaced First Nation returns home
Members of the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation return home to Yuquot, which they plan to re-occupy full-time after being displaced in the 1960s.
Northern voices lead energy conversations
A first-of-its-kind effort to gain a detailed picture of the energy aspirations of small, rural and remote communities across northern BC has sparked new conversations that will help shape the next decade of clean energy development in the province.
Areas of Expertise and Innovation
Low-carbon & offshore renewable energy tech
Harness, use and store renewables including wave, tidal, geothermal, geoexchange, hydrogen and offshore wind energy
Distributed systems and hybrid microgrids
Develop advanced microgrid and battery storage integration and management for resilient, adaptive community energy systems
Green hydrogen and e-fuels
Develop low-cost, safe and clean hydrogen solutions, and help communities determine whther hydrogen can meet their energy needs
Business & finance innovation
Innovate finance and business models while exploring equitable, impactful social enterprise potential
Integrated energy systems
Explore complex systems, place-based transformations, diverse worldviews, policy interactions and Indigeneity from a wholistic perspective
Scale-up and acceleration
Create transformation strategies scalable worldwide, empowering communities through inclusive energy solutions
With gratitude, we acknowledge that ACET research is funded in part by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
Work With Us
From ideas to impact
Work with ACET to co-create sustainable, resilient and place-based clean energy systems that reduce environmental impact and unlock new economic potential.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the University of Victoria stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples, the Musqueam people, the fourteen Yukon First Nations, Atikamekw and other Indigenous People on which ACET partner institutions stand, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.